Under a Sky of Ash

Select format

More than a decade after leaving Colorado to attend college and escape his past, Isaiah Greene moves back and builds a life in Denver as a special education teacher. When he meets Ben Woods, the mentor of one of his students, the attraction is immediate. The revelations that they’ve both suffered traumatic childhoods form a bond between them.

Raised by an abusive grandmother, Ben is a recovering addict who has made a family with his construction worker boss, Hershel, and Hershel’s husband, Daniel—drag queen ManDonna. Adding Isaiah to his life gives Ben a glimpse of a future he’d never dreamed possible for himself.

Both Isaiah and Ben are survivors, but when guilt drives a wedge between them, the past threatens to end their relationship.

Ben and Isaiah embark on journeys of self-discovery. Though their path will be difficult at times, humor and love find a way to bring light to the darkness.

Under a Sky of Ash

We Also Recommend

It was a great story and well described but... maybe a rather too much. I stopped believing the author's narration at a certain point and think that there were too many cohincidences, too many angsty situation and absolutely had difficulties in identifying myself into Ben's sorrow. Too weak for such a strong revelation, too easy the reunion of the two lovers. So I did not like it entirely. But a good book anyhow.

Under a Sky of Ash

By Marinieves on Nov 14, 2016 09:11

This is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt stories that I have read lately. Under A Sky of Ash is the story of two souls, Isaiah Greene and Ben Woods, which were destined to be together.
Isaiah and Ben had the commonality of understanding growing up too soon and being placed into situations in which surviving was important.
While getting to know each other and trying to navigate in a society still full of discrimination, Isaiah and Ben had to learn that forgiveness and love ultimately go hand in hand.
Another excellent book from author Brandon Witt.

Review of Under a Sky of Ash

By Paula on Apr 24, 2016 05:04

Review Copy
I really enjoyed this story. I am a sucker for the abused characters. I like seeing the journey they make to get to a better place. I think Brandon Witt did a really good job creating two heartbreakingly beautiful characters. Isaish and Ben really got to me and I was rooting for them throughout the entire book. This definately made my heart hurt and it was wonderful.

Review of Under a Sky of Ash

By Bec on Mar 21, 2016 08:03

When I think of this book the words Haunting Brilliance come to mind, but this book is so much more than that, you will feel mirth, pain, grief and so much more when reading this book, Brandon Witt outdid himself with this one!
Isaiah has a past that few could comprehend, and he lives with the memories and fall back from that past almost every day. Isaiah wants to be for his students what he didn't have when he most needed it, a pillar of strength when they need him. When he meets Ben through one of his students, Isaiah feels things he hasn't for a long time.
Ben has a tragic past he doesn't allow to the surface often, as a recovering addict, that wouldn't be conducive to staying sober. He meets Isaiah and things start to fall to place for the first time in years, until it all falls apart!
Can these two men work through the pasts that haunt them in order to be together? Or will the pain, guilt, and grief be too much to ever overcome so they can live happily together?
I will tell you friends, you will cry, more than once, but this book simply can not be missed! Thanks Brandon, for giving us a story that takes us through every emotion and makes us adore every minute of it!

Review of Under a Sky of Ash

By Diverse Reader on Mar 21, 2016 04:03

Under a Sky of Ash is Brandon Witts newest novel. Great title and a gorgeous cover, yeah? Both fit this book so perfectly. This is a story of tragedy and pain, but also redemption and forgiveness. Told in Brandon Witts usual visceral, heart-shredding way, Under a Sky of Ash is a book that will stay with you long after youve finished.
Isaiah Greene and Ben Woods are complex characters. Layered and very flawed, scarred men who cross paths and begin a journey neither could have ever expected. One of the things I really enjoy about Brandon Witts writing is how he can take such everyday moments and turn them into life changing ones which is really how a lot of these things do happen. There is a realism in his storytelling that I very much appreciate. Life is not always sunshine and roses, and Brandon Witt isnt afraid of showing his readers this fact.
Told in a dual POV, Witt lets the readers see thing from both sides, and with as complex as Isaiah and Ben are, and as powerful as the story line is, this was necessary and worked so well. I really liked the secondary characters. Hershel is fabulous and was very pivotal, and I adored the friendship between Charity and Isaiah. Aaron was well he broke my heart, but only because he was written so well and realistically. And as for RJ, well, just be sure you have plenty of Kleenex handy for any scene hes in. Theres a plot twist I did NOT see coming in any way, shape, or form, so bravo Brandon Witt for shocking me.
This is not a light-hearted book, not at all. There is a lot of pain, and anger, and cruelty. But, there is also love and forgiveness and an HEA though hard won, it is very satisfying. The book is a roller coaster of emotions for sure, but its well worth the ride.
Reviewed by Erin for Diverse Reader